One week after the recent debaclewith the police in Miri, I am happy to be home, here in Sarawak. I've been resting after going to ground and planning for the future. I've decided that my future is here. I was born here and I intend to remain here!

There is so much work to be done especially with crucial elections just round the corner. This is our chance is to bring about real change in Sarawak politics. My struggle for Sarawak will continue where it's needed most.

The events of the last week have revealed many things. The first is just a reminder of how much I love this country, how much I love Sarawak. As the Malay saying goes: Hujan emas di negeri orang, hujan batu di negeri sendiri. I am a Sarawakian. I need to be here among my people to work effectively.

No matter what London offers, it has nothing to compare to my own ties that bind me to Sarawak, my ibu pertiwiku, as it is called in the Sarawak anthem.

So, maybe you'll see me driving around town in my Cadillac with my beautiful daughter at my side. I'll even wave again at YB Abdul Karim Hamzah, Assistant Youth Development Minister, as he stares at me from his tiny classic car.

What else have I learnt from the last week? I have learnt that I am safer here than in any other country. In spite of all the stories from the government-controlled media trying to paint me black, I have learnt that, when I need help, the people of Sarawak are right there behind me. There are so many great heroes here in this state, carrying on their good work and supporting my own; I feel proud to work with them and will continue to do so wherever they need me.

As for the police, those that I met in Kota Kinabalu (KK) were polite and courteous. I thank them. Last week's drama was not my intention.

Sadly, in the past, certain members of our police force here have smeared the name of their colleagues by acting too hastily and too strongly towards people in their custody. Unfortunately, we live in times where even answering to someone's fist in custody is viewed as normal and part of day to day business. Even now, reports of deaths in custody continue to come out in the independent media.

I am ready to meet the police, should they wish, but on an even basis, with my representatives present - not when I am under their power to do with as they choose: to be placed under duress or to be mistreated or physically and verbally abused in any way.

That is why I left, to allow myself the opportunity to meet them on my own terms. After all, I am a citizen of Sarawak. I have committed no crime. I have not robbed or killed or cheated anyone. I want to return, to be free to live my life in the country that I love, and to continue my struggle for a better future for all of us here.

Finally, what of the events of last week? The time has come for the public to hear the story from the orangutan's mouth. As someone has said, I owe the public an explanation and this is it. After my stay in Kuching in May, I went to Sabah for a week. I took a flight, first from Kuching to Miri (no problem at all) and then from Miri to KK (again, no problem). It was only on my return flight to Miri that the problem surfaced.

As I queued for immigration, I was told that there was an issue and called into the office. I waited. My flight time was drawing near, so I questioned immigration who informed me, very politely, that this was a police matter which had been reported in July 2011 and they were waiting for Special Branch to arrive.

Special Branch did arrive! They photocopied my documents and they took pictures of me from every angle, again very politely. Then, they informed me that I was being 'referred' to the Sarawak police and escorted me to the aircraft.

I understood this to mean that I would be met by police at Miri airport. As I wanted to make sure that I wasn't taken away by the police without proper representation, I contacted my people to make certain that I was met at Miri by a few friendly faces.

On my arrival, I was surprised to find the airport full of people waiting for me! There were police, as I had expected, some were in uniform and some I took to be plainclothes officers - I know the look from my activist days. There were reporters, all taking photos right in my face, and of course, my own representatives.

I was confused and feeling unwell. The lawyer Alan Ling, now the assemblyperson for Piasau, and Dr Michael Teo, taking advantage of the fact that the police were still waiting for instructions, took me to the car and we drove off, heading to Dr Teo's clinic.

On the way into Miri, there was an accident ahead and a queue of traffic behind it. We were stuck. Dr Teo was busy on the phone, his driver busy with the road. It was raining heavily.

As I sat, a car pulled up beside us on the fast lane. Two men got out - I recognised one of them from my flight - and told me that the police were chasing our car. So, on the spur of the moment, I decided to follow them. There was no time to update Dr Teo who was otherwise engaged on the phone anyway and I'm sorry for that but I had to make my move. These three men were genuine Samaritans - they sought only to help me and I thank them for that. They then dropped me somewhere safe.

So, why did I not let anyone know where I was for three days? Well, it's not that easy to do so when I was supposed to be avoiding detection. My own phone was not working because of the heavy rain. I had to get out of Miri, which I did on the same day. I travelled on foot under the Sesco overhead lines and by hitchhiking. So, just let it be said that I didn't sit around reading about myself online and worrying about who to tell first where I was.

Finally, another Good Samaritan gave me a new phone. It seemed foolish to register a phone in my own name. As soon as that happened, I contacted my colleagues at RFS as this was the only telephone number I could remember.

As for claims in the press that I 'staged' the whole thing, I suggest those journalists verify my version of events with Special Branch in KK. As for claims that I did it for publicity, I can only say that it was not me that contacted the press - it was my representatives who felt that greater coverage would minimise the chances of improper conduct by the police.

As for those claims that I shouldn't have run and that I should have waited for the police to simply arrest me, I would ask what you all would do, knowing that you are in danger? Would you sit in the car and wait for instructions or would you take action and save yourself? I chose action.

With regard to the near future, I will continue to take action, fighting on the ground for the people of Sarawak. I fly no flag but theirs, as I have always done. I know that Radio Free Sarawak will carry on, business as usual, spreading the message to where it is needed and, of course, I will give them every assistance in that.

I urge listeners to continue to tune in and listen to the real message. You might even hear me reporting from the interior. But from now on, I'm staying right here.

One week after the recent debacle with the Police in Miri, I am happy to be home, here in Sarawak. I've been resting after going to ground and planning for the future. I've decided that my future is here. I was born here and I intend to remain here! There is so much work to be done especially with crucial elections just round the corner. This is our chance is to bring about real change in Sarawak politics. My struggle for Sarawak will continue where it's needed most.

The events of the last week have revealed many things. The first is just a reminder of how much I love this country, how much I love Sarawak. As the Malay saying goes: 'Hujan emas di negeri orang, hujan batu di negeri sendiri.' I am a Sarawakian! I need to be here amongmy people to work effectively. I started Radio Free Sarawak and moved to London mainly because freedom of expression here in my own country is lacking – something that I am trying to change. But, I just couldn't stay away. Now, I feel that I can best continue my struggle for the future of Sarawak here. No matter what London offers, it has nothing to compare to my own ties that bind me to Sarawak, my ibu pertiwiku, as it is called in the Sarawak State Anthem. So, maybe you'll see me driving around town in my Cadillac with my beautiful daughter at my side. I'll even wave again at YB Abdul Karim Hamzah, Assistant Youth Development Minister, as he stares at me from his tiny classic car.

What else have I learnt from the last week? I have learnt that I am safer here than in any other country. In spite of all the stories from the government-controlled media trying to paint me black, I have learnt that, when I need help, the people of Sarawak are right there behind me. There are so many great heroes here in this state, carrying on their good work and supporting my own; I feel proud to work with them and will continue to do so wherever they need me.

As for the police, those that I met in KK were polite and courteous. I thank them. Last week's drama was not my intention. Sadly, in the past, certain members of our police force here have smeared the name of their colleagues by acting too hastily and too strongly towards people in their custody. Unfortunately, we live in times where even answering to someone's fist in custody is viewed as normal and part of day to day business. Even now, reports of deaths in custody continue to come out in the independent media. I am ready to meet the Police, should they wish, but on an even basis, with my representatives present – not when I am under their power to do with as they choose: to be placed under duress or to be mistreated or physically and verbally abused in any way. That is why I left, to allow myself the opportunity to meet them on my own terms. After all, I am a citizen of Sarawak. I have committed no crime. I have not robbed or killed or cheated anyone. I want to return, to be free to live my life in the country that I love, and to continue my struggle for a better future for all of us here.

Finally, what of the events of last week? The time has come for the public to hear the story from the orangutan's mouth. As someone has said, I owe the public an explanation and this is it. After my stay in Kuching in May, I went to Sabah for a week. I took a flight, first from Kuching to Miri (no problem at all) and then from Miri to KK (again, no problem). It was only on my return flight to Miri that the problem surfaced.

As I queued for immigration, I was told that there was an issue and called into the office. I waited. My flight time was drawing near, so I questioned immigration who informed me, very politely, that this was a police matter which had been reported in July 2011 and they were waiting for Special Branch to arrive. Special Branch did arrive! They photocopied my documents and they took pictures of me from every angle, again very politely. Then, they informed me that I was being 'referred' to the Sarawak Police and escorted me to the aircraft. I understood this to mean that I would be met by police at Miri airport. As I wanted to make sure that I wasn't taken away by the police without proper representation, I contacted my people to make certain that I was met at Miri by a few friendly faces.

On my arrival, I was surprised to find the airport full of people waiting for me! There were police, as I had expected, some were in uniform and some I took to be plain-clothes officers – I know the look from my activist days. There were reporters, all taking photos right in my face, and of course, my own representatives.

I was confused and feeling unwell. The lawyer Alan Ling, now the assemblyman for Piasau, and Dr Michael Teo, taking advantage of the fact that the police were still waiting for instructions, took me to the car and we drove off, heading to Dr Teo's clinic. On the way into Miri, there was an accident ahead and a queue of traffic behind it. We were stuck. Dr Teo was busy on the phone, his driver busy with the road. It was raining heavily. As I sat, a car pulled up beside us on the fast lane. Two men got out – I recognized one of them from my flight – and told me that the police were chasing our car. So, on the spur of the moment, I decided to follow them. There was no time to update Dr Teo who was otherwise engaged on the phone anyway and I'm sorry for that but I had to make my move. These three men were genuine Samaritans – they sought only to help me and I thank them for that. They then dropped me somewhere safe.

So, why did I not let anyone know where I was for three days? Well, it's not that easy to do so when I was supposed to be avoiding detection. My own phone was not working because of the heavy rain. I had to get out of Miri, which I did on the same day. I travelled on foot under the SESCO overhead lines and by hitchhiking. So, just let it be said that I didn't sit around reading about myself online and worrying about who to tell first where I was. Finally, another Good Samaritan gave me a new phone. It seemed foolish to register a phone in my own name.

As soon as that happened, I contacted my colleagues at RFS as this was the only telephone number I could remember. My thanks go out to them and all those who helped me – the good Samaritans, Dr Michael Teo, the lawyers Alan Ling and See Chee How. If any fingers are still being pointed at my supporters and friends who came to my aid in my time of need – I want this to stop now. This is the only reason why I am making this statement at this time. In reality, I'd be quite happy for this whole event to pass into history.

As for claims in the press that I 'staged' the whole thing, I suggest those journalists verify my version of events with Special Branch in KK. As for claims that I did it for publicity, I can only say that it was not me that contacted the press – it was my representatives who felt that greater coverage would minimize the chances of improper conduct by the police. As for those claims that I shouldn't have run and that I should have waited for the police to simply arrest me, I would ask what you all would do, knowing that you are in danger? Would you sit in the car and wait for instructions or would you take action and save yourself? I chose action.

With regards the near future, I will continue to take action, fighting on the ground for the people of Sarawak. I fly no flag but theirs, as I have always done. I know that Radio Free Sarawak will carry on, business as usual, spreading the message to where it is needed and, of course, I will give them every assistance in that. I urge listeners to continue to tune in and listen to the real message. You might even hear me reporting from the interior. But from now on, I'm staying right here.

This is an open letter by Peter John Jaban, popularly known as Papa Orangutan, to clear the air over his disappearance in Miri 10 days ago.

By Peter John Jaban

One week after the recent debacle with the police in Miri, I am happy to be home, here in Sarawak. I've been resting after going to the ground and planning for the future.

I've decided that my future is here. I was born here and I intend to remain here. There is so much work to be done, especially with crucial elections just round the corner.

This is our chance is to bring about real change in Sarawak politics. My struggle for Sarawak will continue where it's needed most.

The events of the last week have revealed many things. The first is just a reminder of how much I love this country, how much I love Sarawak.

As the Malay saying goes: 'Hujan emas di negeri orang, hujan batu di negeri sendiri.' I am a Sarawakian. I need to be here among my people to work effectively. I started Radio Free Sarawak and moved to London mainly because freedom of expression here in my own country is lacking – something that I am trying to change. But, I just couldn't stay away.

Now, I feel that I can best continue my struggle for the future of Sarawak here. No matter what London offers, it has nothing to compare to my own ties that bind me to Sarawak, my ibu pertiwiku, as it is called in the Sarawak state anthem.

So, maybe you'll see me driving around town in my Cadillac with my beautiful daughter at my side. I'll even wave again at YB Abdul Karim Hamzah, Assistant Youth Development Minister, as he stares at me from his tiny classic car.

What else have I learnt from the last week? I have learnt that I am safer here than in any other country. In spite of all the stories from the government-controlled media trying to paint me black, I have learnt that, when I need help, the people of Sarawak are right there behind me.

There are so many great heroes here in this state, carrying on their good work and supporting my own; I feel proud to work with them and will continue to do so wherever they need me.

As for the police, those that I met in Kota Kinabalu were polite and courteous. I thank them. Last week's drama was not my intention.

Sadly, in the past, certain members of our police force here have smeared the name of their colleagues by acting too hastily and too strongly towards people in their custody. Unfortunately, we live in times where even answering to someone's fist in custody is viewed as normal and part of day to day business.

Straight from the orangutan's mouth

Even now, reports of deaths in custody continue to come out in the independent media. I am ready to meet the police, should they wish, but on an even basis, with my representatives present – not when I am under their power to do with as they choose: to be placed under duress or to be mistreated or physically and verbally abused in any way.

That is why I left, to allow myself the opportunity to meet them on my own terms. After all, I am a citizen of Sarawak. I have committed no crime. I have not robbed or killed or cheated anyone. I want to return, to be free to live my life in the country that I love, and to continue my struggle for a better future for all of us here.

Finally, what of the events of last week? The time has come for the public to hear the story from the orangutan's mouth.

As someone has said, I owe the public an explanation and this is it. After my stay in Kuching in May, I went to Sabah for a week. I took a flight, first from Kuching to Miri (no problem at all) and then from Miri to KK (again, no problem). It was only on my return flight to Miri that the problem surfaced.

As I queued for immigration, I was told that there was an issue and was called into the office.

I waited. My flight time was drawing near, so I questioned immigration, who informed me, very politely, that this was a police matter which had been reported in July 2011 and they were waiting for Special Branch to arrive.

Special Branch did arrive. They photocopied my documents and they took pictures of me from every angle, again very politely. Then, they informed me that I was being 'referred' to the Sarawak police and escorted me to the aircraft.]I understood this to mean that I would be met by police at Miri airport. As I wanted to make sure that I wasn't taken away by the police without proper representation, I contacted my people to make certain that I was met at Miri by a few friendly faces.

On my arrival, I was surprised to find the airport full of people waiting for me. There were police, as I had expected, some were in uniform and some I took to be plainclothes officers – I know the look from my activist days.

There were reporters, all taking photos right in my face, and of course, my own representatives.

I was confused and feeling unwell. The lawyer Alan Ling, now the assemblyman for Piasau, and Dr Michael Teo, taking advantage of the fact that the police were still waiting for instructions, took me to the car and we drove off, heading to Dr Teo's clinic.

Plotting the escape

On the way into Miri, there was an accident ahead and a queue of traffic behind it. We were stuck. Dr Teo was busy on the phone, his driver busy with the road. It was raining heavily.

As I sat, a car pulled up beside us on the fast lane. Two men got out – I recognized one of them from my flight – and told me that the police were chasing our car. So, on the spur of the moment, I decided to follow them.

There was no time to update Dr Teo who was otherwise engaged on the phone anyway and I'm sorry for that but I had to make my move. These three men were genuine Samaritans – they sought only to help me and I thank them for that. They then dropped me somewhere safe.

So, why did I not let anyone know where I was for three days? Well, it's not that easy to do so when I was supposed to be avoiding detection. My own phone was not working because of the heavy rain.

I had to get out of Miri, which I did on the same day. I travelled on foot under the SESCO overhead lines and by hitchhiking. So, just let it be said that I didn't sit around reading about myself online and worrying about who to tell first where I was.

Finally, another Good Samaritan gave me a new phone. It seemed foolish to register a phone in my own name. As soon as that happened, I contacted my colleagues at RFS as this was the only telephone number I could remember.

My thanks go out to them and all those who helped me – the good Samaritans, Dr Michael Teo, the lawyers Alan Ling and See Chee How. If any fingers are still being pointed at my supporters and friends who came to my aid in my time of need – I want this to stop now.

This is the only reason why I am making this statement at this time. In reality, I'd be quite happy for this whole event to pass into history.

As for claims in the press that I 'staged' the whole thing, I suggest those journalists verify my version of events with special branch in KK. As for claims that I did it for publicity, I can only say that it was not me that contacted the press – it was my representatives who felt that greater coverage would minimize the chances of improper conduct by the police.

As for those claims that I shouldn't have run and that I should have waited for the police to simply arrest me, I would ask what you all would do, knowing that you are in danger? Would you sit in the car and wait for instructions or would you take action and save yourself? I chose action.

With regards the near future, I will continue to take action, fighting on the ground for the people of Sarawak.

I fly no flag but theirs, as I have always done. I know that Radio Free Sarawak will carry on, business as usual, spreading the message to where it is needed and, of course, I will give them every assistance in that.

I urge listeners to continue to tune in and listen to the real message. You might even hear me reporting from the interior. But from now on, I'm staying right here.

This is an open minute by Peter John Jaban, popularly well known as Papa Orangutan, to transparent a air over his disappearance in Miri 10 days ago.

This is a chance is to move about genuine shift in Sarawak politics. My onslaught for Sarawak will go upon where it's indispensable most.

The events of a final week have revealed most things. The initial is usually a reminder of how most we adore this country, how most we adore Sarawak.

As a Malay observant goes: 'Hujan emas di negeri orang, hujan batu di negeri sendiri.' we am a Sarawakian. we need to be here among my people to work effectively. we proposed Radio Free Sarawak as well as changed to London mainly since freedom of expression here in my own nation is not in something which we am perplexing to change. But, we usually couldn't stay away.

Now, we feel which we can best go upon my onslaught for a destiny of Sarawak here. No have a difference what London offers, it has nothing to compare to my own ties which connect me to Sarawak, myibu pertiwiku, as it is called in a Sarawak state anthem.

So, maybe you'll see me pushing around town in my Cadillac with my beautiful daughter during my side. I'll even wav! e again during YB Abdul Karim Hamzah, Assistant Youth Development Minister, as he stares during me from his tiny classic car.

What else have we learnt from a final week? we have learnt which we am safer here than in any alternative country. In annoy of all a stories from a government-controlled media perplexing to paint me black, we have learnt that, when we need help, a people of Sarawak have been right there during a back of me.

There have been so most great heroes here in this state, carrying upon their great work as well as supporting my own; we feel unapproachable to work with them as well as will go upon to do so wherever they need me.

As for a police, those which we met in Kota Kinabalu were polite as well as courteous. we appreciate them. Last week's drama was not my intention.

Sadly, in a past, sure members of a military force here have dirty a name of their colleagues by acting as well quick as well as as well strongly towards people in their custody. Unfortunately, we live in times where even answering to someone's fist in control is viewed as normal as well as part of day to day business.

Straight from a orangutan's mouthEven now, reports of deaths in control go upon to come out in a independent media. we am ready to encounter a police, should they wish, though upon an even basis, with my member benefaction not when we am underneath their power to do with as they choose: to be placed underneath duress or to be mistreated or physically as well as verbally abused in any way.

That is since we left, to allow myself a opportunity to encounter them upon my own terms. After all, we am a adult of Sarawak. we have committed no crime. we have not robbed or killed or deceived anyone. we wish to return, to be giveaway to live my life in a nation which we love, as well as to go upon my onslaught for a better destiny for all of us here.

Finally, what of a events of final week? The ti! me has c ome for a open to attend to a story from a orangutan's mouth.

As someone has said, we owe a open an reason as well as this is it. After my stay in Kuching in May, we went to Sabah for a week. we took a flight, initial from Kuching to Miri (no complaint during all) as well as afterwards from Miri to KK (again, no problem). It was usually upon my lapse moody to Miri which a complaint surfaced.

As we queued for immigration, we was told which there was an emanate as well as was called into a office.

we waited. My moody time was drawing near, so we questioned immigration, who informed me, very politely, which this was a military have a difference which had been reported in July 2011 as well as they were watchful for Special Branch to arrive.

Special Branch did arrive. They photocopied my documents as well as they took cinema of me from each angle, again very politely. Then, they informed me which we was being 'referred' to a Sarawak military as well as escorted me to a aircraft.

we understood this to mean which we would be met by military during Miri airport. As we wanted to have sure which we wasn't taken away by a military without correct representation, we contacted my people to have sure which we was met during Miri by a couple of accessible faces.

On my arrival, we was surprised to find a airfield full of people watchful for me. There were police, as we had expected, a little were in uniform as well as a little we took to be plainclothes officers we know a demeanour from my activist days.

There were reporters, all taking photos right in my face, as well as of course, my own representatives.

we was confused as well as feeling unwell. The counsel Alan Ling, right away a representative for Piasau, as well as Dr Michael Teo, taking value of a actuality which a military were still watchful for instructions, took me to a automobile as well as we gathering off, streamer to Dr Teo's clinic.

As we sat, a automobile pulled up beside us upon a quick lane. Two group got out we recognized a single of them from my moody as well as told me which a military were chasing a car. So, upon a coax of a moment, we motionless to follow them.

There was no time to update Dr Teo who was differently intent upon a phone any way as well as I'm sorry for which though we had to have my move. These 3 group were genuine Samaritans they sought usually to help me as well as we appreciate them for that. They afterwards forsaken me somewhere safe.

So, since did we not let anyone know where we was for 3 days? Well, it's not which easy to do so when we was supposed to be avoiding detection. My own phone was not operative since of a complicated rain.

we had to get out of Miri, which we did upon a same day. we trafficked upon feet underneath a SESCO overhead lines as well as by hitchhiking. So, usually let it be pronounced which we didn't lay around reading about myself online as well as worrying about who to tell initial where we was.

Finally, an additional Good Samaritan gave me a new phone. It seemed ridiculous to register a phone in my own name. As shortly as which happened, we contacted my colleagues during RFS as this was a usually telephone number we could remember.

My interjection go out to them as well! as all those who helped me a great Samaritans, Dr Michael Teo, a lawyers Alan Ling as well as See Chee How. If any fingers have been still being forked during my supporters as well as friends who came to my aid in my time of need we wish this to stop now.

This is a usually reason since we am making this statement during this time. In reality, I'd be quite happy for this total eventuality to pass into history.

As for claims in a press which we 'staged' a total thing, we suggest those journalists verify my version of events with special bend in KK. As for claims which we did it for publicity, we can usually contend which it was not me which contacted a press it was my member who felt which greater coverage would minimize a chances of crude control by a police.

As for those claims which we shouldn't have run as well as which we should have waited for a military to simply arrest me, we would ask what we all would do, meaningful which we have been in danger? Would we lay in a automobile as well as wait for instructions or would we take movement as well as save yourself? we chose action.

With regards a nearby future, we will go upon to take action, fighting upon a belligerent for a people of Sarawak.

we fly no flag though theirs, as we have always done. we know which Radio Free Sarawak will lift on, business as usual, spreading a message to where it is indispensable and, of course, we will give them each assistance in that.

we urge listeners to go upon to balance in as well as attend to a genuine message. You competence even attend to me reporting from a interior. But from right away on, I'm staying right here.